Module Code - Title:
HI2111
-
Introduction to Primary and Secondary Documentary Sources
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the secondary and key primary sources in local history and secondly, to facilitate and guide students in independently researching and writing local history.
Syllabus:
Identification and location of sources; categorisation of sources; an in-depth analysis of documentary sources (for example, land records, ecclesiastical sources, civil records, census records, reports and substitutes, newspapers, directories, dictionaries, accounts, business records, trade union records, personal records, local government records, literature); how to critically analyse a primary source.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module students will have the ability to:
- demonstrate a clear knowledge of the key primary and secondary sources for researching and writing the history of localities;
- locate these sources in archives and other depositories;
- recognise the strengths and weaknesses of primary and secondary sources; and
- ascertain, evaluate and consider what conclusions can be drawn from these sources for answering a historical problem.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
not applicable
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
not applicable
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught through a three hour seminar and field trips to the archives.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
R. Gillespie and M. Hill (1998)
Doing Irish local history: pursuit and practice
, Belfast
M. Lyons (ed) ()
Maynooth guides to sources for local history
, Dublin
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
david.fleming@ul.ie